As Greece grapples with its European creditors over a third bailout in dramatic negotiations, one myth is being busted for good: That the beleaguered southern European country can count on Russia for help.

Religious affinity through the Orthodox Church, and recent high-profile visits by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to Moscow and St. Petersburg, have cultivated among many Greeks, from voters to some in government, the dream that their Russian brothers will come to the rescue should relations with Europe fall apart.

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